Skip to content

Adversity Quote by Elizabeth Harrower

“So they had all had more troubles than she. Did that really make them superior? If two men were walking along the street and a brick fell on one, missing the other, did that make the injured one a better person?” quote by Elizabeth Harrower
Download Open image
““So they had all had more troubles than she. Did that really make them superior? If two men were walking along the street and a brick fell on one, missing the other, did that make the injured one a better person?””

Elizabeth Harrower

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne by Elizabeth Harrower, 1957

Suffering does not automatically confer moral superiority; true worth is measured by character, not circumstance.

In simple terms: Hardship isn’t proof of virtue.

Key Takeaway

Judge people by actions, not hardships.

Themes

suffering morality humility judgment equality

Mood

empathetic thoughtful

Type

ethical psychological

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • conflict resolution
  • mental health counseling
  • community support

Key Concepts

ethics character assessment social comparison

Questions to Reflect On

  • What defines true moral character?
  • How can we avoid equating suffering with virtue?
A Different Perspective

May ignore systemic factors influencing hardship.

4.8 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Elizabeth Harrower

Explore all 7 Elizabeth Harrower quotes

More Adversity quotes

Browse all 5,001 Adversity quotes